"We have to be more clinical if we want to win games, we have to take those chances." Coventry City's Jason Farndon

30 March 2015

Matt Joyce

The Sky Blues Under-18s manager reflects on the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday as well as the squad offered professional contracts...

Coventry City Under-18s manager Jason Farndon was disappointed that his side couldn't turn their dominance into three points in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

The young Sky Blues had 18 shots at the Palace training ground and took the lead through George Thomas' penalty, but Palace equalised with a penalty of their own just seconds from time.

Farndon was pleased with the performance but felt his side should have been more clinical in front of goal.

"We've gone there, had a lot of shots and created plenty of chances," Farndon said.

"So that's a positive for us. But we have to be more clinical if we want to win games, we have to take those chances.

"We are unfortunate to concede so late on as we were good up to that point. But we need to keep going and we're working really hard to get back to our performances from earlier in the campaign.

"Of course it has been affected by injuries, first-team and Under-21s games, but it's great for the lads to be involved with those sides and we cannot use that as an excuse."

Seven Academy scholars have been offered contracts by the club, with George Thomas, Cian Harries, Devon Kelly-Evans, Dion Kelly-Evans, Kyle Spence, Ben Stevenson and previously James Maddison being offered professional contracts.

Farndon admitted it was a difficult time personally having worked so closely with the group, but he also praised the players who haven't been offered pro deals.

He continued: "Obviously it has been tough for me having become really close to the group.

"The lads who haven't been offered deals have really shown what great characters they are. They were obviously upset but haven't shown any bitterness and have continued to work hard, credit to them.

"Hopefully the lads who have been offered contracts can continue to work hard and develop as they all have great potential."